Remarks: John Jacob Astor IV, a Harvard graduate, spent his time managing the family fortune, writing a novel, and developing devices such as a bicycle brake. In 1897, he built the Astoria Hotel, which joined with his cousin's hotel to become the Waldorf-Astoria. In April of 1912, Astor and his second wife were aboard the ill-fated Titanic, returning to New York after traveling abroad. When the liner hit an iceberg, Mrs. Astor was able to secure passage on a lifeboat. However, John Astor was not so lucky, and his body was found seven days later. - Source: http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/bio/p/1st/astor_jj.shtml